Networked Device Synchronization via Time Bombs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current synchronization techniques for networked devices, such as hardware trigger lines and software synchronization methods, face challenges in precision and complexity, especially in measurement systems where instruments need to coordinate their operations accurately, and existing clock synchronization protocols do not address the operational synchronization of devices effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that synchronizes the operations of networked devices by coordinating actions based on synchronized local clocks using IEEE 1588 or NTP, employing 'time bombs' that detonate at programmed times to trigger specific actions, and combining this with event messages for precise temporal coordination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If hardware trigger lines are used to synchronize instruments, then precise synchronization is achieved, but wiring complexity and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware trigger line system with a software-based synchronization system using standardized communication protocols (TCP/IP, USB, GPIB). This substitution eliminates the need for physical trigger wires while maintaining synchronization capability through software-coordinated control signals and timing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that coordinates synchronization between instruments. The controller sends control signals and receives status information from multiple instruments, managing the synchronization process centrally rather than requiring direct peer-to-peer hardware connections between all instrument pairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If hardware trigger lines are used to synchronize instruments, then precise synchronization is achieved, but signal latency increases with distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidsignal latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If software synchronization is used to control instruments, then wiring complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidsynchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where instruments send status information and completion signals back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust timing and coordinate subsequent actions, ensuring precise synchronization despite using software-based communication rather than direct hardware triggers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by having the controller send pre-coordinated control signals to instruments before operations begin. The synchronization protocol establishes timing relationships and coordination rules in advance, allowing instruments to execute their functions in the correct sequence without requiring complex real-time hardware triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If hardware trigger lines are used, then operational coordination is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability for remote instruments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational coordinationVSAvoidadaptability for remote instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal standardized communication interfaces (TCP/IP network ports, USB, GPIB) that can connect instruments regardless of their physical location. These multi-functional interfaces replace dedicated hardware trigger lines, allowing the same communication infrastructure to handle both data exchange and synchronization commands for locally and remotely connected instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7940875B2System and method for coordinating the actions of a plurality of devices via scheduling the actions based on synchronized local clocks

Publication Date: 2011.05.10 KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A system and method are provided which coordinate the actions of a plurality of devices via scheduling occurrence of the actions based on synchronized local clocks of the devices. Thus, a plurality of devices are communicatively coupled via a communication network, and the devices have their local clocks synchronized to a high degree of precision, using IEEE 1588, NTP, or some other technique for synchronizing their local clocks. “Time bombs” can be scheduled on the devices to coordinate the occurrence of actions between the devices in accordance with the detonation times set for the respective time bombs. In certain embodiments, not only the detonation time, but also the respective action to be triggered upon detonation is programmable for each device. The time bombs implemented on the various devices can be used to coordinate the operations of the various devices with a high degree of temporal precision.